"A newspaper?"

"Yea. A newspaper wants to do a feature on you all."

I scowled and against the window. Great. That's all I need. A nosy outsider with a camera...As if I didn't already have enough to deal with right now...

"Isn't that amazing, Deku?"

"Yea..."

"It's kind of embarrassing."

"Why?"

"The sports festival was broadcast around the country, right?"

"Mina, we'll be in the paper! We've gotta look our best!"

I groaned quietly and turned pressing my forehead against the window. Yea, I'm aware that's what that Amajiki guy does. After I got home, I couldn't sleep. I had been thinking about Big Sis Mag and Compress. Tomura and Twice. Toga. Where was Spinner? I'd asked Doc to look for him, and Dabi too, since I hadn't heard from him. I narrowed my eyes at the wall. Overhaul was going to pay...

"Don't get too excited. The article is supposed to be about how you students are doing in the dorms you just moved into. The principal thought it would be good for your parents and guardians to see you all living happily in the dorms, so he gave special permission. That's why-"

"Do you think the reporter will be a woman? A woman newscaster?"

I scoffed and stood up straight. "Only if you're lucky, grapejuice."

"Yea. He said it was for a newspaper, anyway."

"If you think about it, 'announcer' sounds like 'bouncer', which sounds like 'bouncy boo-"

I sighed and stepped out of the way as Mr Aizawa wrapped Mineta up in his scarf.

"So you better not do anything like that."

"You don't have to be like that, Mr Aizawa. I want to report on the UA students in their natural state in the dorms."

I touched my nose. "Well then. Be glad you aren't a female or Mineta would definitely insist on the natural state."

Sero, being the closest to me, nudged me, but couldn't help grinning.

"Mr Tokuda, I didn't say you could come in yet..."

"I was told I could be here from 8am until 6pm. It's already that time."

Mr Aizawa looked unimpressed, but released Mineta.

"Hello, everyone. I'm Tokuda, a reporter. Thanks for having me here today."

"Nice to meet you!"

I nodded. "This ought to be fun..."

"You don't have to do anything special. Please just show the camera how you normally live. I might ask you questions occasionally, so I'll be counting on you then." Tokuda grinned. And was that a star that come out of his mouth? Weird...

"Oh, he's so delightful and handsome!"

Gross...

"Not a woman, huh?"

"Aw, poor you. Whatever shall you do now that your plans have gone out the window?"

"Don't quit your day job. Comedian doesn't suit you."

"My day job is to annoy you endlessly, ballhead."

"What to do? I'm always sparkling, so I can't help but be a wonderful subject for pictures."

I smiled. "Hey, Sparkles. Feel free to take my limelight, ok? I'm not keen on pictures of myself."

"I'm sure you've already heard from the principal, but please do not interfere with my reporting." My ear twitched, listening to Tokuda. Where did he get off talking to Mr Aizawa like that, huh?

"I understand. If you need anything, please let me know."

"I won't need anything. Everyone in 1-A is a promising candidate to become a hero in the future, right?"

I scowled. I decided I didn't like this guy. Not one bit.

"Iida, if there's a problem, let me know immediately. Got it?"

"Yes sir! As the representative for class 1-A, I, Tenya Iida, will carry out my duty-"

"Ok then, um...What would you usually be doing now?"

My eye twitched. I could tell this guy was going to get on my nerves...Being snarky to Mr Aizawa, then cutting off Iida? Did this guy have a death wish?

"Having breakfast!" At least Iida was able to take in his stride, I guess.

"You don't have to be so nervous. Just pretend I'm not here..."

Gladly...

"Kitia?"

"Hm? Oh, sorry. Is it time for coffee yet?"

"Uh, yea. Wait..."

I turned to Sero, Mineta and Kouda.

"You're distracted."

"What's wrong?"

"Uh, oh. It's nothing. I might tell you later. First we have to deal with this reporter." I walked away and up to Mr Aizawa. "Hey, do you want coffee?"

"You're trying to avoid the reporter?"

"As much as I'm able too."

"Alright. But make sure you still go to your classes." He added as I walked away. A tick mark appeared on my head.

"Heh. Wouldn't dream of skipping class, sir."

All through breakfast, Tokuda took pictures of us. It irritated me and I shifted seats three times to avoid photos.

"Hey, can I sit here?"

"Why?"

I nodded to the reporter. "Trying to avoid that prick. Do you mind?"

Bakugo sighed. "Fine. But don't fucking annoy me."

"Yea, yea." I sat down with my coffee. "Wouldn't dream of it."

"Where's your food? And what's your problem this morning?"

I shrugged. "I don't eat breakfast. Never really have. That's why coffee was invented."

"Don't ignore the fucking question!"

I shifted and gripped my coffee cup, looking at it. "I just...Something happened."

"What could have possibly happened to make you a miserable prick this morning?!"

"A...friend was killed last night. Murdered."

I saw out the corner of my eye Bakugo slowly put his food bowl down.

"Wha-"

"Nobody else knows and I'd like to keep it that way for now."

"But-"

Tokuda popped up beside Bakugo and managed to take one or two photos before he noticed. When he did, he leaned forward, shouting in his face. "Can't you see we're trying to have a private conversation here?!"

I sighed and shook my head. "I suppose we better get ready for class, huh?" I got up and went to get changed, before he could respond.

The reporter followed us around to all our classes. He tried to take photos of me, but whenever I was able, I pressed my hand to the lens. He would try to use his charming smile on me, but I rolled my eyes each time and shoved the camera away.

At lunchtime, I somehow ended up in the cafeteria seated next to Sero. I laid my head on my arms, waiting for lunch to be over.

"Hey, Kitia! Oi!" I felt Sero nudge my shoulder.

"What?"

"Are you hungry?"

"No."

"You need food."

I groaned and sat up straight. He used his tape to grab a few rolls and handed me one. At the same time, Dark Shadow brought a tray of food from the counter to Tokoyami.

I pouted. "You know, that's just cheating."

"How? We still getting it ourselves."

"Yea, but you're not getting off your ass!"

"You're just jealous because your quirk doesn't work like that!"

I stared at Sero for a few seconds, then burst out laughing. "Are you kidding me?! I'm glad mine doesn't work like that!" I grinned and narrowed my eyes. "It won't make me lazy then."

A tick mark appeared on both boys head.

"Seems you're feeling better now..."

Sero nodded.

I slowly stopped smiling and dropped my head. I got up to leave.

"Hey, where you going?"

I didn't even look up. "Away." I walked out of the cafeteria.

I kept walking until I got to the Development Studio. I poked my head in. Mei Hatsume was at a desk in the corner, but Power Loader was nowhere to be seen.

"He's at lunch. I get the Studio until the end of lunch. It's a great time to try something out."

I sat on the edge of a table. "Oh yea? Like what?"

She held up the top of my hero costume. An exclamation point appeared above my head. "How'd you get that?! And why?"

"Oh, I was just thinking about your Immunity quirk, how it only really works on you, right?"

"You mean how no one can use their quirk on me? Yea, what about it?"

"Well, it got me thinking. How can we hone it so you can use it better? How can we tweak it so you can actually use it effectively?"

I frowned. "Effectively?"

"Yes! It's so similar to Eraserheads quirk, I wondered if we could do something that could help you use it on someone other than yourself, you know?"

I kept frowning. "I don't need to stare at someone to rid them of their quirk. They just have to be trying to use it on me. I haven't practiced a lot with it."

"Well, you should! This will help. I've modified the inside of it, so you can direct your quirk at someone and erase their quirk, just like Eraserhead!"

I hesitated. "I don't know if I like the idea of basically stealing his quirk..."

Mei Hatsume laughed. "Don't be ridiculous! Besides, I haven't finished it yet. It should be ready by tomorrow, providing the experiments go to plan."

"...Experiments?"

"And if it doesn't explode!"

I sweat-dropped. This girl is crazy, but you gotta love her.

Finally it was the end of the day, and I was keen for that reporter to leave. He hadn't followed me to the Studio, which I was grateful for. I was up and outside before anybody else.

I sat against a pillar outside, in rain. I pulled my knees up to my chin. I didn't know Big Sis Mag real well, but she had always been kind to me, whenever we had spoken or interacted with each other. I knew Compress a bit better than Mag, and he was always kind to me as well. The fact he was still alive relieved me, but I was still pissed he'd been attacked.

A white cat that had been hanging around, smooched my leg and sat beside me. It looked up at me and meowed.

I sighed and put my hand on it's head. "Bad things always seem to happen when I'm involved. Things are just going to get worse. I can feel it. I feel responsible, even though I know how ridiculous that sounds. What should I do, huh, kitty?"

The cat meowed again and turned it's head. It spotted something and trotted off. I turned and saw the cat had went up to the reporter.

Oh great. Don't bring him over here...

He bent down to pat the cat, but it turned and trotted back over to me. My eye twitched as Tokuda saw me. Dammit, kitty!

"Well well. The girl who's been trying to avoid me all day. Kitia, right? You shouldn't be sitting out here in the rain, you'll get sick. Come on, I'll share the umbrella with you and walk you back."

I stared at him for a minute, feeling the rain drip off my hair. I sighed. "Fine. And for the record, I hardly ever get sick." I stood up and dusted myself off. "Also, I'm not interested in being in your phony article."

We started walking, and I could feel him watching me. "You're a very suspicious girl for your age. It's intriguing. I was told that when you first came to UA, you wore a black jacket and the boys' school uniform. I'm guessing because of those scars of yours, yes?"

Once I had become comfortable with the school, I had started wearing the girls school uniform skirt. The first time I had worn it, Mineta had nearly passed out. I had found the whole thing highly amusing and started wearing it regularly. Today was one of those days, but I wore it more so to keep myself focused on something else other than Overhaul.

"If you're trying to get me to tell you my life story, don't bother. Not even my classmates know, so what makes you think I'm going to tell you, huh?"

"I apologize for prying. Must be painful memories. You say 'classmates', but what about friends? Kyoka Jiro? Tooru Hagakure? Or perhaps you're friends with more of the boys? Shoto Todoroki? Or Izuku Midoriya perhaps?"

I kept my face blank, but I frowned on the inside. This guy was a reporter. Smart. He knew who I was hanging around today and it wasn't any of them. What was he really reporting on?

"Jiro and Tooru are ok. I don't really hang out with them much, but I guess I could call them friends. Todoroki is...Todoroki for the most part. We don't get along, but we tolerate each other." I stopped, thinking. "Midoriya is...determined."

"Determined, huh? Yes, I could see that throughout the day. He seems like he could grow to rival All Might, don't you think?"

I blinked. What? I mean, of course he could, but why is this reporter so blunt with me? I stopped walking. "What are you really reporting on, Mr Tokuda? And be warned, if I don't like your answer, I will tell Mr Aizawa and have you removed from the school grounds. Word your answer carefully."

He looked me for a moment, then smiled. "You are a smart one. I should keep an eye on you." He stood close to me making sure no one else could hear. "You're right, I'm not here to report on dorm life. In fact, I'm not really here to report on anything in particular."

I frowned and looked at his face. He wasn't lying. "Then...Why? And it's clearly got to do with Midoriya..."

"You're a smart girl. You should have seen how Izuku Midoriya's power is a lot like All Might's, right?"

"Yea? So? Get to the point."

He leaned to my ear. "He has the potential to surpass All Might, and become the new symbol of peace."

I widened my eyes. Why was this guy telling me this?! Why is he being so blunt with me?! Does he think he can get information about Midoriya out of me?

"What do you think about that, hm? Your friend becoming that?"

I closed my eyes and stepped back. "If that is what is to happen, I'll help him get there. I'm as disappointed as the next person that All Might had to retire and I'm aware that villains everywhere are using that as an excuse to rise up again." I looked up at Tokuda. "If Midoriya becomes who you think he's going to become, I'll be there supporting him and cutting down down anyone who tries to stop that happening. We may not exactly be friends, but that means nothing. The world needs another All Might." It would be no fun if there wasn't someone like that around anyway..."So, are you happy with my answer?"

Tokuda smiled. "Actually, yes. Yes I am. It's good to see budding heroes supporting each other. In fact, it makes me feel better knowing that."

We got to the dorm and hurried up the steps. "Kitia..."

I stopped and turned around. "Yes...?"

He looked at me with a serious expression. "Keep that promise. Don't let anyone stop him becoming that."

"Uh, sure. Of course."

"Good. I'm glad we're on the same side." He closed his eyes and gave me a two fingered salute.

Later on, after I had called Doc to see if he had made any progress on the dart or finding Spinner, I went outside again. I couldn't really practice my quirks with the reporter around, so I just stretched my muscles and tried some breathing techniques. Ever since that Mirio guy had told us about his quirk, how air would go right through him when it was activated, I had become self conscious of my own breathing and lung capacity.

An hour or so later, I went to walk around the corner of the building, to head inside, but I heard voices.

"-people working there at the time were saved by All Might, right?"

I poked my head around and saw Midoriya talking to the reporter.

"My father was among them, you know. It was a terrible catastrophe where even the rescue squads hesitated. I turned my camera on without thinking. The picture I took was in the paper. It wasn't just that someone from my family was rescued. It also brought light into my own life. I can't thank him enough."

So...That's why he's on Midoriya's side...?

"Is that right?"

"That's why I was really shocked by All Might's retirement. What will happen to the superhuman society now that it's lost it's Symbol of Peace?"

I see...A superhuman society with no one like All Might around...I get it.

"Midoriya."

"Yes?"

"There is hope. You have supporters. Isn't that right, Kitia?"

I tensed. Damn reporters...

"Huh?"

I stepped out of where I'd been hiding and leaned against a pole. "Yea, yea. Don't get all mushy on me, alright?"

He showed Midoriya a photo of him and All Might. "Next, it's your turn."

"What, a picture?"

I frowned. "Where's the camera?"

"And how did you print it out?!"

"I thought my quirk was only good for taking snapshots on vacation." Tokuda lifted his hand and camera lens appeared.

I jumped and nearly fell over. "What the hell...?"

"A camera lens?"

More camera lens' started popping out all over his arms and hands. "I can produce them anywhere." One popped out of his cheek.

Freelance journalist: Taneo Tokuda. Quirk: Whole body lens. He can produce lenses anywhere on his body to take pictures. He can even print them out from his chest! With this, he can get as many scoops as he wants!

I made a face. "That's gross...And you wonder why people hate reporters..."

Tokuda laughed, then stood up, turning his attention to Midoriya. "All Might's last words after the Kamino incident. As I thought, he was saying them to you. As I investigated, I found a lot of similarities. How the quirk you manifested was a power type. How you tried to rescue Bakugo in middle school when he was taken by a villain. How All Might was the one who saved you both back then. How you enrolled in UA at the same time All Might became a teacher here. I went to the Pussycat's agency, too. And I met Kota."

"The kid who kicked you in the balls...?"

Midoriya sweat-dropped. "Yea..."

"There, my guess was confirmed, along with the conversation I had with Kitia earlier-"

"Don't drag me into it, mate..."

"-That you were All Might's successor. What do you think about my deductions?"

"Well, um...Kitia?..."

"I'm not helping you with this, Deku. You need to answer yourself."

"Well, uh..."

"You can't lie, huh? I like that. You're acting very much like a hero." Tokuda smiled and I relaxed. This guy better be legit...

"Um..."

"You don't have to worry. I don't plan to write an article based on a guess with no evidence. I'm the one at fault for coming here under false pretenses saying I'm writing an article about the dorm life of UA students. I'm sorry about that. But I just had to know that hope was not lost."

I shifted. I wanted to say something, but I decided to keep quiet.

"With this, I don't have to give false encouragement to those who are uneasy. I can proudly report that even if All Might retires, there is still hope. I'm sorry I made you feel bad. But thanks."

He held his hand out to Midoriya, and Midoriya took it.

"It's no problem."

Tokuda pulled Midoriya to him and took a photo of them both. I chuckled at the look on Midoriya's face. "You always have to be wary of reporters, Deku. Remember that." I laughed when Tokuda didn't disagree.

"I'm going to cherish this picture and keep it inside my body. Until I publish my book about you. As for it's title, I think I'll call it: When the New Symbol of Peace was Young."

I closed my eyes. "You can stop being creepy anytime now..."

The reporter laughed. "Midoriya, keep your bodyguard close-"

A tick mark appeared on my head and I glared at him.

"-you never know when you might need her."

"Bodyguard?"

"Ignore him. He has no idea what he's talking about..."

Tokuda laughed again. "Do your best, hero." He saluted and walked away.

"I will!" Midoriya turned to me. "What was that about? Bodyguard?"

I watched the reporter walk away. I originally didn't realize why he had been so blunt towards about his intentions, but I think I figured it out. He's a freelance reporter, and sometimes they double up as annoying PI's to get what they want. This guy was no different. He had a feeling about me and went with it. I needed to keep an eye on him, make sure he doesn't dig up anything I don't want dug up. Or perhaps, instead I could use him. He did seem good at his job, and he was already a Deku fan.

"Kitia?"

I blinked. "Huh?"

"What did he mean by 'bodyguard'?"

"Oh, uh, nothing. It's unimportant right now."

"But-"

"Deku, it's time for dinner." He turned as Ochako opened the door. I used the chance to go around the side of the building.

"Oh, sorry. I'll be right there. Kitia- Oh, she's gone..." I leaned against the wall, listening.

"Deku, what were you talking to the reporter about earlier?"

"Uh, well..."

"I smell meat."

"Oh, All Might brought snacks earlier-"

I walked away and headed up to my room. Everyone would probably be eating right now. I flew up to my balcony and walked into my room. I honestly just wanted a drink. I opened the fridge and took out a beer.

I jumped as someone cleared their throat. I turned and pressed a hand to my chest. "Oh cheese, it's only you, Shouji. Don't scare me like that! I'm likely to have a heart attack!"

He crossed his arms and nodded at the beer bottle. I sweat-dropped. "Uh right. Yea about that..."

"You've been having a hard time." Bakugo appeared in my doorway, and I frowned.

"Uh, I'm not quite sure what you-"

"He told us." I glared at Bakugo as Tokoyami, Mineta and Kirishima stepped into view.

"For fuck sake, Bakugo! I told you not to say anything about it! Who else have you told?!"

"Actually, I got it out of him and I told these guys!" Kirishima seemed to say it proudly. "I also told Mr Aizawa!"

"You what?! What could have possibly possessed you to tell Mr Aizawa?! Are you insane?!" I growled and sat on my bed, opening the beer. "Now I really need a drink..." I took a few mouthfuls, then looked at the boys again. "So. Why didn't you tell Ashido?"

"She's a tad gossipy..."

I nodded. "Fair enough." I sighed. "Look, I don't know what you think you know, but...I'm just trying to deal, ok?"

"A friend of yours was murdered. You're going to feel shitty."

I scoffed. "Yea well...That's not the half of it."

"Oh?"

I fiddled with the bottle, then took a few more mouthfuls. "Overhaul. He's the one who did it. He killed this friend and hurt another." I narrowed my eyes. "He's going to pay for what he's done. He's going to pay dearly..."

Not too long after that, Mr Aizawa came to see me. I had put my beer out of sight and told him everything, aside from names. I also told him I didn't want anyone else to know. He had reluctantly agreed under the condition I came to him about anything else.

The next morning, I had gotten up feeling more sluggish than usual. I got dressed and went down to get coffee. I didn't speak to anyone and left for class before anyone could ask any questions.

"About the hero work studies that are a more serious version of the internships, where you go to where pro heroes work and help them. We talked about them at the faculty meeting yesterday, and almost all of the teachers including the principal, thought you shouldn't do them."

I clapped my hands over my ears and everyone shouted: "What?!"

"After we had that big meeting about it?"

"But thinking about why we ended up in the dorms in the first place, I guess that makes sense..."

"Serves you right!" Bakugo jumped up and I shook my head.

"Just because you probably wouldn't be able to participate..."

"But some think that we won't be able to raise strong heroes with our current policies, so we came to the decision that first years will only be allowed to go to agencies with a good track record of accepting work study students."

A giant tick mark appeared on Bakugo's head and he sat down slowly.

"Damn it!"

You seriously need to calm down, mate... I sighed. If I was to do one, it'd have to be Gang Orca, since he was the only one out there who knew about me. Him and Rock Lock, of course, but I doubt Rock Lock would take me.

I frowned. Hm...I wonder...I got up and went to see what I could do about my hero work study.